China Lights coming back to Boerner Botanical Gardens for third year

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced Friday that China Lights is coming back for a third year.

Panda-mania will return, September 21 through October 21, to Milwaukee County’s Boerner Botanical Gardens.

“This is a spectacular event that brings people together from across Milwaukee County and well beyond. We are thrilled to bring back this partnership with China Lights and our Parks,” Abele said.

Last year China Lights drew visitors from 44 states and the District of Columbia to the botanical gardens in Whitnall Park.

This year's exhibit will feature several panda-habitat lantern displays among the three-foot to three-story handmade exhibits illuminating the nine-acre botanical gardens. Some of the exhibits will be interactive. Also at the festival will be two stages for Asian folk-culture performances, two dining areas, and six food vendors with a variety of Asian and Western menu options.

Festival hours will be 5:30 to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The event will be closed Mondays.

On-line ticket sales open August 8 at 10:08 a.m. The date and time allude to the number eight’s association with good fortune in Chinese culture.